Economy

Sri Lanka Among Countries Closing Out Complex Debt Restructurings

Published

4 months ago

April 17, 2026

Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process is nearing completion, with significant progress recorded across negotiations and implementation, according to the latest 6th Co-Chairs Progress Report released by the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR) on April 15.

The report states that most sovereign debt restructuring cases launched during 2021 and 2022 have now been largely completed, including Sri Lanka’s, which was carried out outside the G20 Common Framework. Sri Lanka’s restructuring now involves only a small number of residual commercial creditors, while the signing of bilateral agreements with official creditors is well advanced, though not yet fully finalized.

According to the GSDR, Sri Lanka successfully completed the fourth review of its IMF-supported program in July 2025. In December 2025, following a severe cyclone, the country also received emergency financing under the IMF’s Rapid Financing Instrument. In parallel, the World Bank provided up to US$120 million in emergency support by repurposing funds from ongoing projects to assist recovery efforts and restore essential services and infrastructure.

The report notes that Sri Lankan authorities continue to engage in good-faith negotiations with the remaining commercial creditors. Residual debt yet to be restructured is estimated at about 1.7 percent of Sri Lanka’s total external debt within the restructuring perimeter as of end-2023, indicating that the bulk of the process has already been completed.

Economy

CPC Seeks Investors As Natural Gas Confirmed in Mannar Basin

Published

3 days ago

August 13, 2026

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The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation says the process of calling for proposals to select an appropriate investor to extract and utilize the natural gas resources in the Mannar Basin will begin this month.

Managing Director of CPC, Dr. Mayura Neththikumara, said the presence of natural gas in the Mannar Basin has been scientifically confirmed by the Sri Lanka Petroleum Development Authority.

The relevant process will be carried out with the approval of the Procurement Committee, and investors will be given approximately five months to submit their applications.

Economy

Battery storage systems to join national grid in September

Published

5 days ago

August 11, 2026

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Commercial-scale battery energy storage systems being installed at 16 electricity transmission substations across Sri Lanka are expected to be connected to the national grid in early September.

The systems, which were brought into Sri Lanka through the Colombo Port in three stages during May and June, are currently in the final stages of construction.

The project being implemented by WindForce PLC near the Anuradhapura substation is now around 85% complete.

The battery systems will store excess electricity generated by solar power plants during the daytime and release the stored electricity to the national grid at night when required.

Officials said the system would help maintain the stability of the national grid while reducing the need to generate electricity from diesel power plants during nighttime hours.

Each battery energy storage project will have a capacity of 10 MW. The National System Operator Ltd. (NSO), operating under the Ministry of Energy, will be responsible for managing and controlling the systems, while their maintenance will be handled by the respective companies.

Economy

Delft Island to become Sri Lanka’s first zero emission eco‑tourism destination

Published

6 days ago

August 10, 2026

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The Government of Sri Lanka has unveiled plans to transform Delft Island into the country’s first Zero Emission eco‑tourism destination, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, environmental conservation, and the preservation of its unique natural and cultural heritage.

A special site inspection and stakeholder discussion on the proposed development was held under the leadership of Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe recently.

The island, renowned for its Dutch‑era ruins, numerous archaeological landmarks, and iconic wild horses, is seen as possessing exceptional tourism potential.

Deputy Minister Ranasinghe told participants that Delft Island should be experienced not only by international visitors but also by domestic tourists. Despite its extraordinary attractions, he noted, the island has so far made only a limited contribution to Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.

He emphasized the Government’s commitment to unlocking Delft’s full potential through sustainable and environmentally responsible development.

Discussions focused on identifying priority infrastructure to position Delft Island as a premier tourism destination, with key areas including water supply, road infrastructure, transportation and accessibility. Strengthening community participation was also highlighted, with plans to enhance the knowledge and hospitality skills of local residents to enable them to benefit directly from tourism development.